South suburban police say they’ve been seeing an uptick in motor vehicle burglaries, most often at night when cars are left unlocked or with keys still inside.
Orland Park police say last year they saw crime drops across the board–-except for in car thefts and car burglaries. Something they say could be easily prevented.
On Sunday afternoon, Tinley Park resident Casey Mrofka found two would-be thieves rifling through his truck while another two waited in a nearby car.
"I ran out the back door and they were already in my truck and I chased them down," Mrofka said. "It was broad daylight. It was unexpected. Total shock."
He was able to chase them off before they made off with any valuables.
Orland Park police chief Tim McCarthy says his department has been coordinating with more than 40 other departments to address the problem. Something he says is completely preventable.
"They’re not breaking into cars, they’re simply opening the cars and taking whatever they can find," he said.
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McCarthy says car owners should simply lock their vehicles.
"That’s all you have to do and don’t leave the car keys in the car," he said.
This year Orland Park has seen 25 car burglaries and four thefts, all of the cars unlocked.
Late last month Western Springs police say a crew of four men ransacked or burglarized 10 unlocked vehicles in one night, stealing a laptop, purse and wallet.
Mrofka says he always locks his cars at night, but he’s adding extra security.
"Now I’m gonna have cameras and next time we’ll have it on camera and we’ll get them," he said.
Police say it’s also important to take your garage door opener inside with you so, that thieves can’t get access to other cars or even your home.
